Hasidism

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Hasidism

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  • Hasidism orginiated in Poland in the 18th century by Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer who then became known as the Baal Shem Tov ("Master of the Good Name")
  • Its focus is on the joyful observance of God's commandments.
  • Taught that purity or heart is more pleasing to God then learning.
  • Boundless love for God and the world He created.
  • Many ideas derive from Jewish Mysticis
-A religon based on mystical communion with an ultimate reality.

  • Stressed the mercy of God and encouraged joyous religous expression through music and dance
  • Holy Book: Torah
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  • They worship in a Hasidic synagogue
  • Your taught that God's presence was in all of one's surroundings and that one should serve God in one's every deed and word.
  • Hasidic Leaders, known as tzadikim, helps the followers attain a closer realtionship with God
  • Hasidism broke into different groups which are headed by different tzadikim. These sects include
*Brelov, Lubavitch(Chabad), Satmar, Ger and more

  • The Lubavitch sect in Brooklyn New York has about 200,000 members.
  • In different sects of Hasidism, the clothing attire differs.
  • Clothing consists of ankle-length black coats and wide-rimmed black hats. Men and boys traditionally leave their "side-curls" uncut. Women cover their hair in public with a headscarf or a wig.
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  • The largest groups are located in Israel and the United States.
  • Hasidic communities also exist in Canada, England, Belgium and Australia